compiled by corrie adams - student support and recreation service
Table of Contents The Role of a Mentor................................................. 3 Peer Mentoring at NCI Aims of the Peer Mentor Programme Responsibilities of a Peer Mentor Skills Required for Being a Peer Mentor Meeting Incoming Students...................................... 5 Orientation Guide at NCI How Many Students are Allocated to a Peer Mentor? Contacting your Students Throughout the Year Boundaries of Peer Mentoring Student Life............................................................... 8 Sport and Recreation Facilities Sport and Recreation Programmes Clubs and Societies Peer Mentor Society Please Talk Campaign Students’ Union Class Reps MyNCIStudent Portal Student Support...................................................... 13 Counselling Service Disability Support Service Learning Development Service Mathematics Support Service Medical Service Student Finance....................................................... 16 AHEAD Back to Education Allowance Student Assistance Fund Student Grant Students’ Union Welfare Loans
Useful Contacts....................................................... 18 Common Issues Which May Arise Where do I go for Advice as a Peer Mentor? Student Services Department School Faculties Communication and Evaluation.............................. 22 Volunteering Achievement Template for Emails and Texts to Students Useful Resources.................................................... 25 Academic Calendar................................................. 28
National College of Ireland
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The Role of a Mentor
Peer Mentoring at NCI The role of a Peer Mentor is to help make the transition to college life as easy and enjoyable as possible, so think about the things you were concerned about when you arrived as a new student. In essence, the Peer Mentor Volunteer Programme at NCI is designed to help new students settle into college life by providing signposting and assistance through peer support.
Aims of the Peer Mentor Volunteer Programme • To assist a smooth transition to college life by giving new undergraduate students the opportunity to meet with current students in the same academic school, during their first year. • To provide mentors with the skills and information they need to help fellow students settle in. • To help new students feel an early sense of belonging to their peer group, school and the college.
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• To ensure that there is always a friendly face to turn to for information and assistance. • To contribute to developing an excellent supportive environment by utilising our most valuable resource; our students.
Responsibilities of a Peer Mentor • Listening to the needs of the students and assisting them in finding a social outlet that is appropriate to their needs, for example, bring them to a Club or Society event. • Talking with and listening to the students on a regular basis through the year. • Identifying students at risk and referring them to the appropriate support service for guidance and advice. • Support and encouraging students to participate in organised College events throughout the year.
Skills Required for Being a Peer Mentor Questioning – asking appropriate questions and receiving quality/authentic responses. Listening – active listening involves giving full attention to the other speaker. Summarising – giving an accurate account of what’s just been said. Giving feedback – expressing your observations and feelings with clarity and sensitivity. Influencing – having a significant effect on the way others think and on what they do next. Referral – providing the support which enables people to express their feelings and consider their options.
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Meeting Incoming Students
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Orientation Guide at NCI The first contact you will have with your students is during Orientation. The role of an Orientation Guide is to ensure that the students in your group feel at ease and ‘inducted’ into NCI throughout their Orientation day. Think back to your Orientation and the anxieties you felt upon arrival. Try to address those concerns by continually chatting to the group, reassuring the group and facilitating conversation amongst the group.
Thus, the role of an Orientation Guide can be broken into three parts:
1. To facilitate discussion and relationship building amongst the students within your group.
2. To provide information to the students during the day on all aspects of college life at NCI.
3. To ensure the smooth running of events throughout the day, i.e. time keeping whilst travelling between workshops.
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The responsibilities of the Orientation Guide include the following:
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Putting the students at ease (encouraging conversation etc)
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Moving your group between sessions
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Explaining the objective of each session
• Identifying key lecture theatres/rooms to the students as you walk around the college
• Getting to know your students and preparing for your role as a Peer Mentor.
How Many Students are Allocated to a Peer Mentor? Each Peer Mentor is allocated approximately 10-20 students depending on course numbers. This may seem like quite a large group but generally speaking only a few of your students will require ongoing support.
Contacting Your Students Throughout the Year It is essential that you give your contact details during Orientation and it is equally important that you confirm your mentees details. It is anticipated that most of your one-to-one contact with the students will be done through sending text messages and emails. You will be required to communicate three times (sending text messages and emails) in the first semester and two in the second semester. It is important to let the students know that they can approach you on campus and that regular face-to face contact is maintained by simply saying hello or by organising a group catch up over coffee. Of course, students are free to call their Mentor as often as they choose. However, it is anticipated that only in cases where the student is experiencing ongoing difficulties will this occur.
Boundaries of Peer Mentoring Do • Arrange to meet your students in a group following your initial introduction meeting. • Send an email and text to your students at least twice a semester. • Ask about their experience to date of living and studying at NCI. Identify students who may be having difficulty at NCI.
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• Always contact your student via your college email account or mobile phone. • Always meet on college premises or in a public area. • If you feel that your student needs support which falls outside your role of mentor, encourage the student to seek appropriate help. • Respect the right to privacy; don’t discuss anything the students tell you with people that it doesn’t concern.
Don’t • Turn into a counsellor - if necessary refer them to the Student Support or the appropriate service within the College. • Guarantee outcomes like “this will happen” or “you’ll be fine”. • Be overbearing, your students are the decision makers, you are the guide. • Impose your own ideas, values or solutions. • Encourage dependency or over commit yourself time wise. • Overstep the boundaries of your role by giving guidance or advice. • Never give out personal details such as your address or landline phone number.
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Student Life
Sport and Recreation Facilities Following a Students' Union referendum held in 2010/11, the full-time undergraduate student body voted in a three year fixed membership agreement to use SV Fitness Healthclub adjacent to the campus. This is a mandatory charge and will be billed to all students per annum as part of the registration process. Registration cannot be completed until this charge has been paid. All students in receipt of Higher Education Grants or VEC Grants are required to pay this charge which is not covered by the Grant Scheme. NCI students and members of Clubs and Societies also have easy access to a range of discounted premier sport and recreation facilities. The Irishtown Stadium and Markievicz Leisure Centre is also within walking distance of the IFSC and charges student pay as you go rates. Other facilities available upon request by NCI sports Clubs include Clontarf Sports Pitches, Gloucester St Sports Centre and Sportsco Leisure Centre.
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Sport and Recreation Programmes
NCI is committed to the development of sporting excellence and awards a number of sports scholarships each year to promote and foster sporting talent within the College. The scholarship initiative is an investment in student potential which endeavours to tailor performance based components with financial support so students can maintain a dual focus on academic and sporting progression. The annual mixed Sports Day event showcases the sporting skills of both student and staff teams as they challenge each other for the winner’s cup. It is a great opportunity for students relieve stress and most of all have a fun day out with friends and peers.
Student Development Programme
The Campus Connect Volunteer Programme provides volunteer based opportunities students at NCI to become active in the community to develop and extend their personal and academic skills. The programme encourages NCI students to use their skills and experiences for the benefit of children and young people in the communities surrounding the College. The Student Leadership Programme is designed to enhance leadership and communication skills in an interactive, participatory learning environment. Selected students will be assisted to identify their leadership style and learn how to effect positive change in their college and community. The programme will give an opportunity to talk to and learn from leaders who are leading change in their organisations, and will also allow frank conversations with senior leaders from within the National College of Ireland and its associates.
Clubs and Societies There are lots of great Clubs and Societies to get actively involved with on campus. Whether you are sports enthusiast, enjoy being part of team, share a special interest or enjoy being engaged in the community there is bound to be an opportunity for all students to participate.
Clubs
Societies
Astro Football
Business
Badminton Basketball
Computing and Innovation
Cricket
Fashion
Darts
Gaming
GAA
Harry Potter
Karting
LGBT
Pool
NCI TV
Soccer
Peer Mentor
Table Tennis
Poker
Soccer
Social
Table Tennis
Voices of NCI Winter Sports
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It is free to all registered students of the College to join so all first year students are encouraged to get involved in student life. If you miss Sign up Day you can still join online by checking out the Student Life page on the Student Portal. You can also contact the Clubs and Societies Officer located in the Students' Union Recreation Hub or a committee officer directly.
Peer Mentor Society As many of you are aware, trying to ‘fit in’ and make friends is often the most difficult task for new students. The Peer Mentor Society provides support and friendship to first year students to ensure they adapt into their new College environment. Along with helping launch and raise awareness of the Please Talk student welfare campaign, the Society also organised referencing workshops, exams workshops and multiple social events.
2013 Winners: NCI Clubs and Societies Awards 'Society of the Year' 2013 Winners: NCI Clubs and Societies Awards 'Society Individual of the Year' 2013 Nominees: BICS National Awards 'Small Colleges Society Individual of the Year' All Peer Mentors are essentially members of the Society and therefore should get actively involved and support the committee. Enjoy your role and participate in Mentor and College events.
https://twitter.com/NCIMentoring
http://www.facebook.com/pages/NCI-Peer-Mentor-Society/
Please Talk Please Talk is supported by the HSE through the National Office of Suicide Prevention, and is part of the National Mental Health Strategy. NCI launched its participation in this national welfare campaign to support at risk students. It promotes ‘Speaking is a sign of strength not of weakness’ message through its website (www.pleasetalk.ie) directory allowing students to browse the various support services present in the College.
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The message has been reinforced through campaign promotional material and awareness events organised through the Peer Mentor Programme, Peer Mentor Society, and the Students' Union Mental Health and Welfare Weeks.
Students’ Union The NCISU are the representatives of the student body. The NCISU mission is to provide the best possible service that accommodates and facilitates all students to ensure they get the most out of every aspect of the college experience. “If you don't know who, turn to your SU”. This means no matter what your issue is, the NCISU can advise you or at least point you in the right direction. The NCISU is situated in the Student Basement where there are pool tables, table tennis tables, play stations, TV, big screen and sofas for your use. The offices are located through the doors and everyone’s welcome! No need to knock or make appointments. Basically the NCISU organise all of your entertainment and look after your issues regarding education and equality. The NCISU are here if you need someone to talk to; if you have problems with classes, exams, lecturers, or even money problems. All in all, the NCISU ensure you get the best possible experience during your time in NCI.
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Students’ Union Executive Position
Name
Phone
President
James Duffy
Ext 692
president@ncisu.ie
Vice President
Greg O'Donoghue
Ext 681
vicepresident@ncisu.ie
Clubs & Societies Officer
Patrick Erhard
Ext 680
clubsandsocs@ncisu.ie
Entertainments Officer
James Cosgrave
Ext 680
entertainments@ncisu.ie
Communications Officer
Amy Wafer
Ext 680
communications@ncisu.ie
Class Reps Becoming a class rep not only gives you the opportunity to meet new people but you can also gain experience in dealing with lecturers and students. If you feel that there is an issue within your class, your class rep is the first person to go to. As a class rep, you have the chance to put forward any changes that you feel would be beneficial for your class, course, or the Union as a whole. The NCISU provides each rep with all the training and resources they need. Each class rep attends a number of SU Council and School/College service meetings each semester.
MyNCIStudent Portal This is a website that acts as a one-stop-shop for all students to support their college life in NCI. MyNCIStudent will provide you with a single point access for all college communication and information during your time in NCI. You can access it from the bottom right link available on the NCI homepage www.ncirl.ie Some of the other IT Services provided include: ● NCI Student Email ● Moodle – Course Management System for your Lecturers Course Notes ● Citrix – Access to your NCI Desktop, Software Applications and Home Directory ● Past Examinations Database ● MyAthens – Online Databases ● MySite – your own customisable area of the Student Portal The NCI IT Department has a dedicated team to provide IT Support to all students. If you have any queries, or issues please ensure you contact the team email: itsupport@ncirl.ie or visit the IT Support Desk located on the first floor, Room 1.07, opposite Theatre 1.
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Student Support At National College of Ireland, we want our students to get the very best out of the years spent with us. We want them to look back on their period of study as one which was not only successful in academic terms, but rewarding on a personal and social level. To this end we have provided a range of services to provide advice, support and encouragement.
For any students requiring more information or are in need of the services provided by the Student Support office please visit us on the Atrium ground floor or contact: T: 01 4498624 E: studentsupport@ncirl.ie
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Counselling Service College life can sometimes produce a great deal of stress. The Counselling Service provides an opportunity to discuss any difficulties you may be experiencing with a specialist student counsellor. The counsellor will help by listening without judgement, offering new perspectives and working with you on strategies that are right for you. The Counselling Service is provided free of charge to all full-time registered students and the counsellor meets with students on-site in NCI. To make an appointment please contact Mary Keating on 086 8783086 or email counselling@ncirl.ie
Learning and Disability Support You can register with the LDS service if you have a learning difficulty, a disability, a mental health difficulty or a significant ongoing illness. It offers an understanding supportive environment that recognises and help students to overcome their difficulties. The service helps you to adapt your learning by identifying your individual learning differences and supports you as you acquire the skills to learn independently. The service offers: small group workshops; individual learning support; proofreading service; information on useful support materials and resources.
Learning Development Service The Learning Development Service provides weekly workshops throughout the academic year. These structured workshops are designed to help students become more confident and effective learners. To compliment these workshops, students are encouraged to download the ‘Effective Learning’ manual from the Learning Development portal page. This manual offers practical tips and guidance on all key academic areas.
Mathematics Support Service The Mathematics Support Service provides an informal environment for students who are experiencing difficulties or wish to improve their understanding of and confidence in mathematical concepts. A primary goal of the service is to empower students with confidence to take responsibility for their own mathematical learning through active involvement in service programmes and activities. The Mathematics Support Service provides a number of tailored services which are available to all NCI full-time students.
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Medical Service National College of Ireland provides a subsidised medical service to all full-time registered students. The Custom House Medical Centre, located just minutes from the College, are the appointed doctors for National College of Ireland. The Medical Centre provides full male and female health screening, cardiovascular screening, occupational health, travel vaccinations, minor surgery, nursing care, sports injuries and specialist clinics. Students are charged â‚Ź10 per appointment and the balance is paid by the College. To make an appointment please contact the Custom House Medical Centre on (01) 829 0902 or email reception@custommedical.ie
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Student Finance
AHEAD AHEAD is an all-Ireland organisation whose central mission is to promote the full participation of students with disabilities in every aspect of higher education. A guide to grants, scholarships and disability allowances for third-level students with disabilities is available at www.ahead.ie
Back to Education Allowance The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows people in receipt of certain social welfare payments to retain those payments whilst participating in approved full-time courses in further and higher education. The BTEA allows qualifying persons to return to full-time education in approved courses while continuing to get income support. Approved programmes range from foundation courses to postgraduate courses. Participants receive a standard rate of payment that is not means-tested. To work out whether you may be eligible for the BTEA you need to be aware of the main conditions of the scheme, which you can access from www.studentfinance.ie
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Student Assistance Fund The purpose of the Student Assistance Fund is to provide financial support to disadvantaged students who would be unable to fully benefit from third level education without external support. The Student Assistance Fund is only available to full-time students who are participating on a course of no less than one year in duration which leads to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. The Student Assistance Fund may be able to help in the following circumstances: ● Students who are putting themselves through college and cannot meet daily living expenses ● Students with sudden or unseen expenses they cannot afford ● Students in financial difficulty due to bereavement in the family or family breakdown ● Students with childcare obligations such as crèche fees or after school care
Student Grant The student grant is the main source of financial help available from the Irish State for students in full-time Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLCs) and full-time higher education undergraduate/postgraduate courses. For eligible students, the grant is there to help with the various costs of participating in further or higher education. Family and/or personal income is a key factor that will be assessed when you apply for a student grant but there are also some other conditions. Studentfinance.ie can help you to assess whether you are eligible and guide you in starting the process.
Students’ Union Welfare Loans The NCISU operates a welfare loan system for students experiencing financial difficulties. Loans must be re-paid in full by the end of the academic year.
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Useful Contacts Common Issues Which May Arise Consider some of the concerns you had when you first arrived in college. Try to use your own judgments to anticipate what kind of issues you can expect to deal with. The issues that may arise can be broken into three components:
1. Academic
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● Does my continuous assessment count toward my end of year result? ● Do the Christmas exams impact upon my overall result? ● What is expected of me when writing an essay? ● What is referencing? ● Who do I give my essays to? ● Who is my programme co-ordinator? ● Should I write down everything the lecturer says? ● How do I log on to moodle? ● How do I download the lecture notes? ● I lost my IT password, who should I contact? ● Is there anywhere I can go to get extra academic support? ● I don’t like my course and considering leaving college, should I just leave or talk to somebody first? ● If I withdraw from NCI and start first year in another college, do I have to pay? Will it affect my grant? ● I have a complaint about one of my lecturers, what should I do?
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2. Social
● Are there any social nights organised by the college?
● What does the Students’ Union do? Where are they located?
● What is the best way to meet people and make friends in NCI?
● What Clubs & Societies are there in NCI?
● How do I join a Club or Society?
● I am having difficulty settling into NCI and don’t seem to be making friends, what should I do?
● I want to set up a club or society. What should I do?
● What is a class rep? How do I become one?
● How do I get a student discount travel card?
● What is the best way to find accommodation in Dublin?
3. Personal
● I am having a lot of financial difficulty, is there anything the college can do to help?
● I am feeling really down, I think I am depressed, is there anyone I can speak to?
● I have a learning difficulty that I have not disclosed to the college, I thought I could manage without support, what should I do?
● I cannot seem to cope with the study expected of me, I didn’t think it would be this difficult, what should I do?
● Is there a medical service available in the college?
● Do I qualify for a medical card as a student?
● I hate college and I am thinking of dropping out, what should I do?
● I am feeling really lonely living in Dublin; I don’t know what to do.
● I have been evicted from my house; the landlord did not give an explanation, what should I do?
● My landlord just increased my rent by 100 euro, can he do this?
Where do I go for Advice as a Peer Mentor? Every Mentor will complete a comprehensive training program which addresses the common issues that may arise and how to handle these situations. You will of course encounter some issues which fall outside the scope of the training program. If you need advice on how to approach a particular situation please contact a member of the Student Support team.
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National College of Ireland Student Services Department As the name suggests the Student Services Department is principally concerned with the student experience while at College. Our role is to guide, encourage and support students in their journey through higher education. We strive for an environment that encourages excellence, celebrates differences, supports success and fosters involvement. Acting as a “one-stop-shop� for many student needs, Student Services coordinates a number of administrative functions, support services and student-centred activities within the College. The Student Services department operates a drop-in service for students and endeavours to answer any questions a student may have. On occasion, it may be necessary to refer a student to another individual/support within the College. The Student Services department is located on the Ground Floor and can be contacted on (01) 4498540 or by emailing studentservices@ncirl.ie.
School Faculties A Faculty is all the academic members of staff, lecturers and professors, associated with that area of study. Faculties meet every two weeks during the academic year and consider the issues of concern such as new courses, student affairs and policy. All of the faculties have other members of administrative staff, some of whom may have particular responsibility for dealing with student queries and problems.
School of Business, Administration Office - Room 2.08 Position
Name
Phone
Dean of School
Jimmy Hill
Ext 520
jimmy.hill@ncirl.ie
Senior Administrator
Nicola Carroll
Ext 542
ncarroll@ncirl.ie
Programme Co-ordinator
Leah Kinsella
Ext 605
leah.kinsella@ncirl.ie
Nicola O'Shaughnessy
Ext 532
nicola.oshaughnessy@ncirl.ie
Programme Co-ordinator
School of Computing, Administration Office - Room 3.24 Position
Name
Phone
Dean of School
Pramod Pathak
Ext 611
ppathak@ncirl.ie
Programme Co-ordinator
Louise Devlin
Ext 607
louise.devlin@ncirl.ie
Computer Support Tutor
Frances Sheridan
Ext 260
fsheridan@ncirl.ie
Programme Co-ordinator
Helen Power
Ext 606
helen.power@ncirl.ie
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Student Services Admissions • Exemptions • Progression • Transfers • Registration
Careers & Opportunities • CV Preparation • Cover letters • Employer Presentations • Job Search Strategies • Interview skills • Recruitment Fairs • Vacancy Newsletters
Exams • Exam Deferrals • Exam Timetables • Reviews • Rechecks
Student Records • Course Deferrals • Graduation • Student Cards • Student Letters • Withdrawal
Student Support • Clubs & Societies • Counselling Service • Disability Support • Financial Assistance • Learning Support • Maths Support • Medical Service • Orientation & Induction • Peer Mentoring • Personal Support & Guidance • Sports & Recreation
Contact
Contact
Contact
Contact
Contact
Sarah Duignan Admissions Officer (01) 4498 539
Caroline Kennedy Careers & Opportunities Officer (01) 4498 526
Orla Heslin Examinations Officer (01) 4498 646
Lindsay Keane EA – Student Services & Registrar (01) 4498 540
Corrie Adams
sarah.duignan@ncirl.ie
Aoife Cassidy Executive Assistant Admissions Ext 243 aoife.cassidy@ncirl.ie
orla.heslin@ncirl.ie
ckennedy@ncirl.ie
Kate Coughlan Work Placement Coordinator Ext 586
lindsay.keane@ncirl.ie
Kate Lacey Executive Assistant Exams Ext 553 klacey@ncirl.ie
kate.coughlan@ncirl.ie
Siobhan Mockler Work Placement Coordinator Ext 558
Sinead Kavanagh Executive Assistant Exams & Assessment Ext 243
siobhan.mockler@ncirl.ie
sinead.kavanagh@ncirl.ie
Student Support & Recreation Coordinator
(01) 4498 548
corrie.adams@ncirl.ie
Michael Goldrick Learning Support and Development Officer
(01) 6599 245 michael.goldrick@ncirl.ie
Jonathan Lambert Mathematics Development and Support Officer
(01) 4498 650 jonathan.lambert@ncirl.ie
Mary Keating Student Counsellor
086 878 3086 counselling@ncirl.ie
Karen Mooney Disability Officer
(01) 659 9269 karen.mooney@ncirl.ie
Catherine Elliott Learning Support Tutor
(01) 6599 208 catherine.elliott@ncirl.ie
Stiofan MacConmara Student Retention and Attendance Support Coordinator
(01) 4498 503 stiofan.macconmara@ ncirl.ie
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Communication and Evaluation
Volunteering Achievement NCI will provide you with a certificate of recognition and reference letter for participating in the Peer Mentor Volunteer Programme. This represents the volunteering, training and reflection undertaken during your experience as a Peer Mentor and Orientation Guide. • The Certificate represents your commitment to something further than your studies. By volunteering on campus, NCI recognises the learning that can come from outside the classroom and so do future employers. • On your CV it is important to refer to the Certificate as an Achievement. • The volunteering you committed yourself to and the training you received has been recognised by NCI through the Certificate. • Future employers seek employees with a variety of experiences, and volunteering can offer a whole range of experiences.
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Additionally to the main role, to receive a Certificate of Recognition signed by the President of NCI and Reference Letter signed by Student Support, it is a requirement that Peer Mentors complete three responsibilities of the programme as outlined below.
1. To attend five group communication and feedback meetings organised by Programme Co-ordinator.
2. To communicate five texts and emails to your group of first year students.
3. To co-ordinate semester face to face meeting with your group of first year students.
4. To complete online semester evaluation questionnaire available on the MyNCIStudent portal.
Template for Emails and Texts to Students Please copy to corrie.adams@ncirl.ie when sending your emails.
First Semester First Email and Text – Beginning of Week 2 Hi, this is FIRST NAME, your Peer Mentor. Are you settling in OK? Be sure to get involved in student life with Fresher’s Week and join up to Club or Society activities. Remember, if you need any help; please feel free to call me.
Second Email and Text – Beginning of Week 5 Hi, this is FIRST NAME, your Peer Mentor once again. I would like to catch up with my group of students and hear about your NCI experience so far. I will be available for a chat on DAY at TIME in the VENUE. Hope to see you there!
Third Email and Text – Beginning of Week 10 Hi, this is FIRST NAME, your Peer Mentor once again. It’s a good idea to de stress from the studies, go to the gym or bring some friends to a social event. Check out the student portal to find out what's happening or drop into the Students' Union.
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Second Semester Fourth Email and Text - Beginning of Week 2 Hi, Happy New Year. This is FIRST NAME, your Peer Mentor. How did you settle into College life? Remember, if you need any academic, personal or social guidance, drop into the Student Support or Students' Union office.
Fifth Email and Text – Beginning of Week 9 Hi, this is FIRST NAME, your Peer Mentor. The exams can be stressful. Academic support is available in the College. There is also Medical and Counselling services available if you are unwell. Drop into the Student Support office located on the ground floor. They will be able to help you out.
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Useful Resources Aware Aware is a voluntary organisation whose aims are to assist that section of the population who are directly affected by depression. T: 1890 303302 www.aware.ie
BodyWhys We aim to promote greater awareness and understanding of eating disorders through the provision of comprehensive information and workshops. www.bodywhys.ie
Drugs and Alcohol Programme The Drugs and Alcohol Programme (DAP) aims to provide quality drug education, training and support services which develop knowledge and skills in order to enhance competencies and capacities in a variety of settings and sectors. www.drugs.ie
Gay Switchboard T: 01 8721055 www.gayswitchboard.ie
HSE Health Promotion Working to promote health in Ireland. www.healthpromotion.ie
Legal Aid Board The Board is responsible for the provision of legal aid and advice on matters of civil law to persons unable to fund such services from their own resources. T: 01 6641900 www.legalaidboard.ie
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Mental Health Ireland Mental Health Ireland is a national voluntary organisation which aims to promote positive mental health and to actively support persons with a mental illness, their families and carers by identifying their needs and advocating their rights. www.mentalhealthireland.ie
One in Four Ireland One in Four is a registered charity which provides support and resources to people who have experienced sexual abuse and sexual violence. www.oneinfour.ie
Options Crisis Pregnancy Services If you are worried about being pregnant, organisations may be able to help. Further details of the services provided by a list of agencies can be found on our website or by free texting LIST to 50444. www.crisispregnancy.ie
Pleasetalk.ie Please Talk urges students to understand that talking is a strength not of weakness, and if you’re experiencing problems while at college, there are people there who you can talk to. It promotes this message through a collaborative effort involving the various support services present in colleges up and down the country such as: chaplains, counsellors, student support officers, students’ unions, disability support services and many, many more. www.pleasetalk.ie
Rape Crisis Centre The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre offers information and guidance on matters concerning Rape and Sexual Assault, primarily throughout Ireland T: 1800 778888 www.drcc.ie
ReachOut.com ReachOut.com is a service dedicated to taking the mystery out of mental health. We aim to provide quality assured mental health information and inspiring real life stories by young people to help other young people get through tough times. ReachOut.com also provides information about other services that can help people deal with mental health problems. T: 01 4744840 www.reachout.com
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Samaritans Whatever you are going through, whether you think it is big or small, you don’t have to bottle it up. At Samaritans we offer confidential, non-judgemental support 24 hours a day. T: 1850 609090 www.dublinsamaritans.ie
Spunout Some people may know from a very young age that they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and others may be confused about their sexuality right into adulthood. It does help to talk! Spunout tackles many issues that affect young people. www.spunout.ie
Student Finance.ie This website is a convenient and user-friendly source of information on financial support for further and higher education. There are several financial assistance schemes available in Ireland to help you to progress through further and higher education. www.studentfinance.ie
Study Guides and Strategies Good study skills will help you get more from your classes, improve your productivity and efficiency and save you time in the long run. Permission is granted to freely copy, adapt, and distribute individual Study Guides in print format in non-commercial educational settings that benefit learners. www.studygs.net
Think Contraception Think contraception is a source of information for sexually active men and woman in Ireland who want to learn more about their sexual health and about the choices they have to stay healthy. The site also provides contact details of where to turn to with questions regarding contraception, STI’s and unintended pregnancy. www.thinkcontraception.ie
USIT T: 01 6021906 In Ireland, USIT is the specialist in student, youth and independent travel with its headquarters in Aston Quay, Dublin. www.usit.ie
Peer Mentor Volunteer Programme Guidebook 2013-2014
27
National College of Ireland
2013
AUG
SEPTEMBER
Academic Calendar 2013/2014 OCTOBER
NOV
DECEMBER
Mon Tue
1
Wed Thur
2 1
3
Fri
2
4
1 Reading Week
Sat
3
5
2 Reading Week
Sun
4
1
6
3
1
Mon
5
2
7
4
2
Tue
6
3
8
5
3
Wed
7
4
9
6
4
Thur
8
5
10
7
5
Fri
9
6
11
8
6 School of Business
Sat
10
7
12
9
7
Sun
11
8
13
10
8
Mon
12
9 Semester 1Start
14
11
9
Tue
13
10
15
12
10 11
Wed
14
11
16
13
Thur
15
12
17
14
12
Fri
16
13
18
15
13 School of Computing
Sat
17
14
19
16
14
Sun
18
15
20
17
15
Mon
19
16
21
18
16
Tue
20
17
22
19
17
Wed
21
18
23
20
18
Thur
22
19
24
21
19
Fri
23
20
25
22
20
Sat
24
21
26
23
21
Sun
25
22
27
24
22
Mon
26
23
28 Reading Week
25
23
Tue
27
24
29 Reading Week
26
24
Wed
28
25
30 Reading Week
27
25
Thur
29
26
31 Reading Week
28
26
Fri
30
27
29 Graduation Conferrings
27
Sat
31
28
30
28
Semester End
Sun
29
29
Mon
30
30
Tues
28
Semester End
Peer Mentor Volunteer Programme Guidebook 2013-2014
31
National College of Ireland
Academic Calendar 2013/2014 2014
JANUARY
FEB
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
Mon Tue
1
Wed
1
2
Thur
2
3
1
Fri
3
4
2 School of Computing
Sat
4
1
1
5
3
Sun
5
2
2
6
4
Mon
6 Exams
3
3
7
5
Semester End
Tue
7 Exams
4
4
8
6
Wed
8 Exams
5
5
9
7
Thur
9 Exams
6
6
10
8
Fri
10 Exams
7
7
11
9 Exams
Sat
11 Exams
8
8
12
10 Exams
Sun
12 Exams
9
9
13
11 Exams
Mon
13 Exams
10
10
14
12 Exams
Tue
14 Exams
11
11
15
13 Exams
Wed
15 Exams
12
12
16
14 Exams
Thur
16 Exams
13
13
17
15 Exams
Fri
17 Exams
14
14
18
16 Exams
Sat
18
15
15
19
17 Exams
Sun
19
16
16
20
18 Exams
Mon
20
17
17 Reading Week
21
19 Exams
Tue
21
18
18 Reading Week
22
20 Exams
Wed
22
19
19 Reading Week
23
21 Exams
Thur
23
20
20 Reading Week
24
22
Fri
24
21
21 Reading Week
25 School
23
24
of Business Semester End
Sat
25
22
22 Reading Week
26
Sun
26
23
23
27
25
Mon
27 Semester 2 Start
24
24
28
26
Tue
28
25
25
29
27
Wed
29
26
26
30
28
Thur
30
27
27
29
Fri
31
28
28
30
Sat
29
31
Sun
30
Mon
31
Tues
Peer Mentor Volunteer Programme Guidebook 2013-2014
29
National College of Ireland Mayor Street, IFSC, Dublin 1 Tel: 01 4498624 Email: studentsupport@ncirl.ie Web: https://myncistudent@ncirl.ie